Spring 965 MC
Lady Aubrey Brandon, Baroness of Hawksburg, took her seat. To her right sat Revi Bloom, the head of this council, while to her left was Albreda. Aldus Hearn was also present, along with Kiren-Jool, the Kurathian Enchanter. Kraloch sat at the end of the table to give his Orcish frame more elbow room, while across from her sat two visitors. The first was Roxanne Fortuna, the Weldwyn Life Mage who had been helping her and Kraloch with their research. The other visitor, Lord Arandil Greycloak, was a far more forbidding prospect. As Lord of the Darkwood, he had come to claim the body of his daughter, Telethial, who had died some months previously. She had long since been buried, but the brooding Elf had remained, determined to have his say in matters as an ally of Merceria.
Revi looked around the room. "It's been some time since we last met," he began, "though I hear you did manage to get in a session or two while I was indisposed."
"It's good to have you back," said Aubrey.
"Thank you, but let us dispense with such frivolities, shall we? We have important matters to discuss."
"Where would you like to start?" asked Albreda.
"I'd like to talk of the Saurian gates for a moment." He held up his hands to halt any argument. "Don't worry, it's not what you think."
"Then what is it?" asked Aldus Hearn.
"We now know we cannot use them without some risk of developing a strange malady," Revi continued, "except for the Orcs, of course. Aubrey, you and Kraloch developed a cure for that. How's that been going?"
"We have been systematically identifying everyone who went through the gates and using the new technique to cure them. Only a few people remain, and none of them are in any immediate danger."
"That's a relief," said Hearn. "I feared we might have an outbreak of madness."
"I wasn't mad," insisted Revi. "I was just… extremely distracted."
"Well, in any event, we can do without that distraction."
"Agreed," said Revi. "Though I would like to point out there are other possible uses for these gates, even if the Orcs are the only ones who can use them safely."
"Such as?" asked Albreda.
"They tap into the ley lines, and I have managed to unlock the secret of unlimited travel."
"Meaning?" said Hearn.
"Meaning we can use gates to travel to any intersection of ley lines, regardless of whether they hold a physical structure or not."
"And how would we return?" asked Kiren-Jool. "Or haven't you thought of that yet?"
"By use of the recall spell," said Revi. "I've actually learned it myself. Quite a useful bit of magic, that."
"You're welcome, by the way," said Albreda.
"I'm sorry?" said Revi.
"You're welcome for being able to learn the spell of recall."
"I don't understand. Aubrey taught me."
"And who do you think she learned it from?"
Revi blushed. "Ah, I hadn't realized. My apologies."
"You know," said Hearn, "I think I liked it better when Revi was short with everyone."
"When was I ever short?"
"When you were mad… or distracted, as you like to call it."
"Ah, well, I apologize for that too. Now I realize we have a war to think about, so I'll leave the matter of the gates for now. What else have we on our plates?"
"There's the matter of the academy," said Aubrey.
"Yes, how is that going? Have you found us any students yet?"
"Not yet. We're not quite ready for them at this point in time."
"Why not?" asked Revi.
"We have to develop a system of training. After all, we've never had an academy before."
"We simply teach them what we know, don't we? How much harder can it be?"
"We can't just start teaching," insisted Aubrey.
"Why not? It worked when I took you on as an apprentice, didn't it?"
"Yes, but I already knew a lot of the theory of magic. We can't expect the same from every student."
"Then what do you have in mind?"
"I suggest we start with the theory of magic, and leave the spell casting for later."
Kraloch raised his hand, garnering the attention of all.
"Yes?" said Revi. "You have a suggestion?"
"I do," said the Orc. "I am led to understand my people use a different method than Humans to train those gifted with magic."
"Different, how?"
"Humans always tend to teach the student everything about the theory of magic before they even learn to cast a spell."
"Of course," said Hearn. "It's the most effective method of training. How else would you do it?"
"We teach one spell at a time, starting with the simplest. As the student learns to master each spell, they are presented with a greater level of knowledge."
"It would never work with Humans," said Hearn.
"Agreed," added Kiren-Jool. "Without proper understanding, they would never be able to master magic."
"But it has already succeeded with Humans," said Kraloch. "And the man who was taught became a very powerful master of flame."
"You never told me this," said Aubrey.
"It is something I only recently became aware of. Our cousins far to the east rescued a man from certain death, and they taught him to harness the spark within."
"Remarkable," said Kiren-Jool.
"Astounding," agreed Hearn. "But likely the exception rather than the rule."
Albreda slammed a fist onto the table. "Must you two be so obstinate? If one of us can learn using that technique, then others can too. What have we got to lose?"
"But none of us know how to do that," said Hearn.
"No, but neither do we know how to run an academy. We shall do what the non-magical world does when they come across something they don't understand."
"Argue?" suggested Kiren-Jool.
"No, you fool, we shall learn. Kraloch will be our teacher, providing he's willing to undertake that responsibility."
"I shall be pleased to," said the Orc, "though I should consult with the Ancestors to gather their thoughts on the matter first."
"Good, then it's settled." She turned her attention once more to Revi. "Please continue, Master Bloom."
"Yes. Now, where was I?"
"We were talking about the academy," Aubrey reminded him.
"Yes, that's right. I suppose we need to develop a structure of some sort. One of the problems with using the master-apprentice system is that things frequently get overlooked. Look at my own situation. If Andronicus had been more organized, I'd be much further ahead in my studies."
"I'll work with Kraloch and see what I can come up with," offered Aubrey. "If the council here approves it, we'll take the next step and start searching for students."
"Excellent," said Revi. "Then we'll put further discussion of the topic on hold until you've completed your research. The only other thing I'd like to address is the war."
"What about the war?" asked Hearn.
"I thought we might consider how we can be of assistance once the army marches into Norland. I know my familiar has been of use in the past. I was hoping Albreda and Master Hearn might be able to use similar means to keep track of our enemies."
"I see no problem," said Hearn.
"Nor do I," added Albreda. "Is there anything else?"
"Not at the moment, but if anyone comes up with anything, let me know. I'll be at my house."
Lord Greycloak interrupted. "May I speak?"
"Certainly," said Revi.
"I have been giving the matter careful consideration, and I have come to the conclusion that the Elves of the Darkwood can no longer send troops to aid Merceria in its time of need."
"That's a matter best brought to the attention of the queen," said Revi, "but may I ask why?"
"We are a diminished people," said the Elf, "and recent losses at Uxley have taken their toll. We shall, of course, continue to provide financial aid in return for a seat at the Nobles Council, but I'm afraid our fighting days are over."
Those at the table sat in stunned silence. It was Aubrey who finally spoke. "I shall bring this to the attention of Her Majesty," she said.
Greycloak rose, bowing respectfully. "I will now take my leave of you." The Elf turned, departing the room quickly.
"Well, that's a shock," said Hearn.
"I'll say," said Revi. "I wonder what brought that on?"
"It's his daughter, Telethial," offered Aubrey. "She was killed at Uxley."
"Many people died at Uxley," said Kiren-Jool, "but you don't see others pulling out."
"You don't understand," said Aubrey. "The Elves have been barren for some time."
"Barren?" said Revi. "Are you saying they can't have children?"
"So it would seem. It was the queen who first noticed it, but I've come to realize she might have a point. I have a solution if I can ever get around to it, but I'm afraid I'm stretched too thin at the moment."
"A solution?"
"Yes, the magic Kraloch and I discovered might be able to solve their problem, but it would take cooperation on their part, something I doubt will happen anytime soon."
"They are a stubborn race," said the Orc, "even more so than the Dwarves, but at least the mountain people can be made to see reason."
"Well," said Revi, "there's little we can do about it if they refuse to talk to us. We'll simply have to put it aside for now and hope the future brings an opportunity. I think we've had more than enough for one meeting, don't you?" He cast his eyes around the room, noting the nods.
"Very well, then, I'll let you get about your business. Good evening, everyone."
They all rose and began making their way out the door.
Albreda hung back. "Aubrey, if I might have a word? You too, Kraloch."
They waited as the room cleared. "I wonder if you two might accompany me back to the Fitzwilliam house. There's something I'd like to talk to you about."
"Certainly," said Aubrey, "but wouldn't it be easier to talk here?"
"I think the house is more private, and I know Richard would let us use his office."
"It's that important?"
"I think so."
"Then lead on," said Kraloch, "and let us be quick about it. You have intrigued me."
"That's his way of saying he's excited," said Aubrey.
They set off from the Palace at a brisk pace.
Before long, they were at the baron's Wincaster townhouse. Albreda pushed open the door, ignoring the servants attempting to take her cloak.
"Is the baron in?" she asked.
"He's in the library," said Lucas, the head servant, "along with Lady Beverly and Lord Aldwin."
"We'd best pop in and say hello," said the Druid. "Then we can get down to business."
They stepped through the doorway, interrupting a discussion.
Baron Fitzwilliam rose. "Good to see you, my dear. I trust everything is going well?"
"It is," replied Albreda, "but before we sit down to chat, I wonder if I might borrow your office for a while? I need to discuss a few things with Aubrey and Kraloch."
"Of course. I hope it's nothing serious?"
"Only mage things, nothing that would interest you."
"I'll have the staff fetch you something to eat, shall I?"
"That would be marvellous, but have them bring it in here, will you? I don't wish to be interrupted."
The baron looked at Lucas, who simply nodded in return, then disappeared off to the kitchen.
Albreda led her associates to a cozy room where a solid wooden desk took up a good portion of space, but she chose to sit in front of it, indicating that they should do likewise.
"What is it?" said Aubrey.
"Yes," said Kraloch. "What is so important we couldn't talk about it at the Palace?"
Albreda dove right in. "Tell me more about this ability to detect magical potential."
"It's pretty straightforward, actually," said Aubrey. "We go into the spirit realm and look at people's auras."
"And you can both do this?"
"Yes," said Aubrey, "though it's harder for Kraloch to detect the colours. Apparently, Orcs' eyes see things a little differently in the spirit realm."
"It seems a clumsy way of doing things. Is there a way to detect this aura without going into the spirit realm?"
"That's something I'm still working on. Why?"
"The ability to detect this type of thing could prove quite dangerous in the wrong hands," said Albreda.
"Are you suggesting we give up?"
"No, but you might consider restricting who has knowledge of this. I also suggest that once you succeed, you limit who has access to cast it."
"Surely not?" said Aubrey.
"The Magic Council is growing," continued Albreda, "and the larger it gets, the more difficult it will be to contain such knowledge."
"Are you suggesting someone has a hidden agenda?"
"Possibly, but the mere mention of such things could be disastrous. Think of what the Dark Queen could do with such knowledge."
"But she's a Necromancer," declared Aubrey. "Surely such a spell would only be usable by a Life Mage."
"You forget, Life and Death Magic are mere reflections of each other."
"Do you suspect someone," asked Kraloch, "or is this merely a general warning?"
"I do not trust Lord Greycloak."
"But he helped us," said Aubrey.
"True, but the Elves always look to long-term advantage, and his statement today shows how fickle they can be as an ally."
"I shall heed your words," said Aubrey. She turned to Kraloch.
"Don't look at me," said the Orc. "I do not socialize with Elves, let alone talk to them."
"Good," said Albreda, "then it'll be our little secret for now."
Revi wandered down the street so deep in thought he almost missed his own house. He shook his head, astounded by the depths of his distraction, then turned up the walkway, looking forward to a little rest. The smell of food drifted to his nose as he opened the door.
"Hello?" he called out. "Is someone here?"
"Just a moment," came back Hayley's voice.
"What in Saxnor's name are you doing?"
"Making you dinner," she replied, coming out of the kitchen.
"I must say that's a surprise. I didn't know you'd be here."
She placed her hands on her hips. "That's the whole point of this. It wouldn't be a surprise otherwise, would it? Now, come along, it's almost ready."
He followed her back into the kitchen. As a mage dedicated to a life of study, Revi Bloom had never thought of using his dining room to eat; it was far too cluttered with books. Instead, he had a small table in the kitchen, and it was here she led him to where a plate of food waited. He sat, staring down at the feast before him, trying to identify what type of meat it was. At least he assumed it was meat.
"Well?" she said. "What do you think?"
He leaned over the plate, taking a deep breath and almost choking on the smell. "It's very… what's the word I'm looking for?"
"Strong?" she asked, hope written on her face.
"Is this beef?"
"No, it's pork. Can't you tell?"
"It's rather dark. Are you sure that's what it is?"
She sat down opposite him. "Oh, I don't know. I'm terrible at this sort of thing."
"I thought you were a ranger?"
"I am," she replied.
"Aren't you an expert at hunting?"
"Hunting, yes. Cooking? Not so much."
He poked the food, then took a morsel, lifting it to his mouth. One whiff was all it took to convince him to abandon the attempt.
"I'm sorry, Revi. I tried, I really did."
He reached across the table, taking Hayley's hand. "It's all right. It's your company I wish to keep, not your cooking. If need be, we can hire someone to prepare food."
"What do you mean, 'we'?"
"I mean, I'd like you to stay here, in this house, with me."
"Is this a marriage proposal?" she asked.
He fumbled for the right words, suddenly finding his mouth dry. "I suppose it is," he finally managed to get out. "I do hope you agree. I need my lucky charm."
She leaned forward, kissing him on the forehead. "I should be delighted to accept your proposal, Revi Bloom."
He smiled. "You've made my day. Now, what do you say we head down to the Queen's Arms and find something a little more palatable to eat?"
"I'd love to, but I must be off."
"Off? But I just got here."
"True," said Hayley, "and I'd like to stay, but I have to leave."
"Why?"
"I have to tell Bev the good news!"